Rachele Stines is the owner of Loves Gardens, LLC. She educates the public about agriculture through classes, videos, and hands on experiences in their gardens. Ms. Stines has deep roots and connection in the DC MD and VA community. Her knowledge skills and abilities as the business operator are key to the success of this project. She is also the community outreach specialist. She has worked in the mental health community counseling, guiding, and caring for homeless people. She has experience working in the many non-profit organizations that provide food and other resources to DC community members. She is a graduate of Howard University and is very active in the DC Community.
Dr. Lavell Merritt, Jr. is a long-time farmer. He has over 30 years of experience in agriculture and community outreach. He holds several degrees in fields that directly involve the work of engaging the District of Columbia underserved community. Early in his professional career he assisted in setting up a Farmer’s Market in Ward 8 through the Capital Area Food Bank and Clagget Farm. He has also been a National Park Ranger at Fort Dupont and organized several events bringing community members into the parks to hike, engage in citizen science and to learn how to access public natural resources. Dr. Merritt holds a doctorate degree in tourism sciences and will deploy the many techniques of empowering community members through direct engagement with their food and food production. He is working directly with Rachele Stines to produce the vegetables that are distributed to the community.
